During the pandemic, respiratory protection was embedded in patient care protocols. However, limited evidence supports the benefits of one type of respirator over another. A few studies showed a lower rate of healthcare worker (HCW) cross-contamination with the high-filtration N95 piece in hospital operating rooms compared to low-filtration pieces, but these results did not translate to field studies and overall rates of HCW infection were similar in both groups [21, 22].

Regardless of what kind of papr respirator is used, it is important for hospitals to follow strict cleaning and disinfection procedures. Following CDC guidelines and manufacturer recommendations for cleaning and decontamination will help prolong the lifespan of the device and ensure that it is fully effective when needed.

Most PAPRs are designed to be worn with a face shield, which provides additional protection against body fluids. While some manufacturers offer hood-style PAPRs that hang lower over the wearer’s head than the full-face masks, these devices do not always allow the exhalation to vent away from the face, which could increase the likelihood of contamination in the sterile field. Your institution’s infection prevention, safety, or occupational health department can recommend models that do vent outward and direct exhalation away from the face for improved sterile field protection.

What is a PAPR Respirator? Benefits and Best Uses

While NIOSH’s current respiratory protection standards require an initial and annual fit testing of tight-fitting PAPRs, field offices have the discretion to exercise enforcement flexibility in circumstances where it is not feasible to conduct these tests based on available supplies of fit-testing kits and solutions and the need to address urgent patient care needs. Additionally, the upcoming ISO work rate classifications may provide a framework that more closely parallels NIOSH’s requirements, which would allow manufacturers to design a PAPR that meets specific performance criteria.